Kiwi cyclist Sharlotte Lucas has pulled out of representing New Zealand at the World Road Cycling Championships in Austria, days after having her non-selection overturned.
Lucas, 27, took to Facebook this morning to explain her decision, taking aim at Cycling New Zealand.
"It is with disappointment that I have pulled out of representing NZ at the World Cycling Championships after having my non selection overturned," Lucas wrote.
"I have many questions to ask of Cycling New Zealand (CNZ) regarding their treatment of myself that dates back to having to appeal my non selection at the Commonwealth Games when I believe I deserved to be named in the first round of guaranteed spots to the NZOC for the team.
"It was not surprising that even though I qualified for World Champs by being the 2018 continental champion that I was not selected (or not permitted to take up my spot) in fact I was expecting it and had another appeal to go through."
Lucas also says that the cost of travelling to Austria later this month was a key reason in her withdrawal, forced to pay her own way to the championships.
"When I had to find thousands of dollars in a couple of days it simply was not realistic to accept my selection, it would have been nice to have had a little more time but CNZ stalled for 12 days after I appealed before changing their minds, then to give the reason of 'supplementary information from the athlete' is a joke.
"CNZ selectors have had no contact with me since the Commonwealth games and have ignored my requests for information, they did not ask for any information after the appeal was lodged and I gave them none so what they are saying is a complete pack of lies."
"I'm appalled with the lack of professionalism that the lot at CNZ display."
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